Odyssey 2016

A journey is not just measured in miles completed , but in the signs along the way that make you see the road differently .

Sorry to interrupt the current Spires Odyssey but there were a few signs of difficulty appearing and I thought a little pause might be in order . Time to stop perhaps ? To take in the view a little more and not worry about getting to the end stop in time.

Odyssey was always designed to bring together some potential Spires members who we think are likely to continue on further with Better performance techniques in future .

A collective way of linking them together to see if they gel and enjoy working together on more challenging solo work.

Left to their own creative devices it is easy to see if yhey are going to enjoy creative module / devised theatre work in future . Because if they struggle with it . It is possible they wouldn’t enjoy a more focused approach further down the STS line.

Because the process of self direction is sometimes harder for those that prefer just being told what they have to do . On the whole Odyssey is a learning curve that leaves you emerging , hopefully feeling a sense of real achievement at having pulled off what first appears like the impossible.

It’s all a bit like a mini Verona and how the House Directors doubtless feel, when first given their enormous theatre brief .

It all just seems so beyond them, terribly confusing and so work heavy . Panic momentarily sets in and the gut reaction is to flee not fight .

But eventually when they think about it and look round at the incredible support they have in others around them , willing to help , to be part of the creative process with them, the challenge seems like an incredible odyssey in itself . A brilliant journey to self discovery with like minded others.

I don’t know who ever really aspires to be a Verona House Director in PACE from the beginning . They are not born they are made in Spires Theatre .

I don’t know if even the current House a Directors ever thought they would be? But I know that the V gene shows itself eventually . This passion , this desire , this incredible commitment to excellence here , that it is suddenly logical who will “do the job” and do it well .

So what’s that got to do with Odysseey 16?

Well …I suppose what I’m saying is , if it’s meant to be it’ll happen regardless of a brief pause along the way .

It’ll happen because for some of you it is always just going to be what you do here . O16 HUB SPACE FIREFLY NTC …

…and for the rest …well maybe this isn’t going to be your way ?

Because journeys come in all shapes and sizes , forms and metaphors . And if the sign here says “turn off ahead” then you maybe have to do what is ultimately right – for you.

For the 14 Odyssey Dramanauts out there …know there is Theatre Light at the end of this confusing Spires tunnel . A sign of good things will come . Each PACE year offers its unique set of challenges

This year:

Sleeping Beauty
Paisley 2021
Culture
Firefly
Trojans
Whale
Verona X1

Next year :

Something New .
Something Different .
Something Special for You .

But you have to want find out what’s beyond the invisible horizon to stay the course .

Delaying O16’s restart will only make the pasison grow fonder if you are keen . Drive you on , to find out what’s coming next regardless of a pause in the play.

There’s one thing ever sure . If you have the pasison , drive and determination to continue here – whatever happens – you won’t be disappointed .

And what you’ve learnt till now isn’t going to be wasted . Wasted is a word that people use when they don’t get something beneath the surface.

What have you got from work completed thus far ?

You’ve experienced working as productive collective of young people on a cultural theme that previously you knew nothing of .

Maybe become a bit more spontaneous ? A bit more open with each other ? Learned to finally have your say?

Now who can say that has been a waste of your time ? Who can say that the knowledge and experience gained under your current Spires roof will never be put to good use .

And more importantly ….have you enjoyed it ?

Because what I’ve seen of you all in passing , has only shown me that you have loved being creative in this unusual peer lead way . Given the freedom to be your own directors . To Create your own dramatic outcomes .

Surely betas a standard workshop any day …?

It’s a shame a few aren’t a part of one of the other showcase projects now , but it can’t be helped.

It’s just maybe more important for you to stay connected to the bigger picture , in case your way becomes unclear now , as others seem (to you ) to suddenly “zoom off ” ahead and away from you .

Many SPACE are going through a similar experience as they are only able to commit in certain ways this side of the year .

I always say to them to try to stay connected . The blog is a good way of doing that and the house group pages . It lets us see your still reading the right kind “signs” for a theatre future. Haven’t left the building in terms of your presence . Haven’t stopped.

Verona is a long way off , but a short way off in many respects , and though we don’t rehearse much till mid May , there are ways you can still connect to others in a positive way .

I always find it is harder for people on time outs from Spires to return to full creativity , because Spires is such a moment to moment experience . You gather as you go and gaps can be cracks people fall through and can’t get out of .

Being out the loop can make you question if you are enjoying it any more . When really it’s just not being “part of it” – that is the real problem.

All we can hope is that you still try to see the bigger Spires Theatre picture and remember what makes you come here in the first place .

If it’s how you feel when you are in the space , then that’s the best reason of all . If its social , then you know the answer by now.

I hope the current O16 group return in August to their journey , having had some time to look around and enjoy the other practical work on offer . By then , maybe in a few cases , doing O16 may actually be redundant , as they are already of a necessary HUB standard through ongoing project/module work , and are ready for other challenges – able to begin a new endeavour – a journey towards SPACE .

Whatever happens it always happens for a reason here.

And for now chalk up work done to experience and personal satisfaction.

Open your eyes to what’s going on round about you and get involved in everything you can before Summer’s end.

I look forward to working with new HUB /SPACE/FIREFLY/15UP and NTC 17 in future. Heres hoping your drama sign post is now telling you to Drive On. Regardless.

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20 Responses to Odyssey 2016

I understand why you have taken the decision to postpone Odyssey. When I first found out I was a bit disappointed but I took some time to think about it and realised that it's probably for the best. I'm so grateful that I've been able to take part in Odyssey. I've learnt so much in this short space of time and I really hope that I can continue travelling forward on this road.
Daniel

It's really unfortunate that Odyssey has had to be postponed but I agree with your reasons! I had a lot of fun during our rehearsals and I know that they benefitted me a lot - connecting my voice to my body, making the way that you say a word purposeful and putting thought behind it to get the effect and sound that you want not just a typical projected voice that occasionaly changes tone, working with others that I wouldn't have before and compromising and changing ideas, thinking about the music in the pieces and generally learning more about the functioning of a chorus - trying to create the allusion of being masked, connecting with others and being ONE unit - which will stand in good stead for our saintly Firefly chorus. No time is ever wasted, I think, and every one of us will have taken something away from our time working together (even if they don't realise it) x

Obviously like Daniel and Katie, I was gutted when I first got the email, but after this blog I am starting to see that it was probably for the best. This has been a great experience and I hope the next Odyssey/Endeavour is too. All we can do now is continue to let our passions grow and one day, one way or another we gonna get it. X

I have honestly learned a lot during this and really enjoyed myself. I do hope that we are able to continue in August as I am proud of what we have produced. I understand why this has had to be postponed and even though I was slightly disappointed, do think it is for the better! X

I am gutted the O16 has been postponed, I started to get really into the group choral and the movement but as you said everything happens for a reason. I do feel like I should have done Trojan but you need to listen to my parents. I have really bonded with my group and I hope that we can still talk about different stuff still. It was a great opportunity while it lasted. Cara xx

At first disappointed when I learned that it's suspended, but must look onwards and upwards. It may be suspended, but I have had a beneficial time in odyssey, working with more and new people has really brought up my confidence in the space I think and it has widened my skills, I know the extra workshops with Daniel and you really helped.
My current thought process is to take the benefits from odyssey and apply them to Firefly and VX1. I've come to the realisation that it'll be better for me to take the energy from odyssey and use it to better myself in my other projects.
I've been having fun while also working hard during odyssey and have no bitter feelings about odyssey. onwards and upwards for sure X

At first I was confused as to why it had been postponed and I felt it was unfortunate that it had to happen. However, the more I think about it, the more sense it starts to make and it's possibly for the better. Yes I would have loved to continue it but I now understand your reasons. Looking back on the progress we made, it didn't go to waste, although we may not be able to show it, it benefited us all individually and collectively. I got to work with people that I hadn't before, I experienced a different type of performance and I thoroughly enjoyed the time we spent working on it. So until next time O16. I look forward to coming off this slight detour and back on to the main road, come August, and make Odyssey 16 bigger and better than before.

I understand your decision and agree with your reasons. I admit that I was disappointed when I first heard that Odyssey had been postponed and I did begin to think that it was a waste of time and effort, but after reading this blog and thinking about it I realise that it truly wasn't. I got to work with new people, learn about performing in a choral style, develop and compromise on new ideas in a positive creative space. Also, particularly satisfying to me, I became more confident in working in a group and expressing my ideas and opinions. Which is such a basic skill but in the past it was felt extremely difficult, so on reflection I am pleased with the progress my group and I made and I do truly think it will benefit me in other projects.
Amanda x

I have loved the Odyssey process and have learned so much from yourself Mhairi, Daniel and my group. I've learned to dig deep and to not be "pretty" something I'm really trying to work on. It's saddening that Odyssey is prosponed but it's something to look forward to after summer. I enjoyed working with others my age and listening to all the ideas, yeah there was a few disagreement along the way but so far we have enjoyed it, I'm proud of what we created.
Yasmin xx

Odyssey 16 has been a great change in my pace journey and being part of odyssey 15 and not getting very much out of it gave me the drive to really work this time round. It really gave me perspective on how far I have come and how far I have to go.
I'm really proud of what our odyssey group have produced I hadn't thought we could have done what we have done but we did and I'm so greatful that you were all so willing to work for each other.
I agree with the choice to move odyssey and I can't wait to see what the future holds. Until next time, Patrick.

Speaking from Odessey experience last year, it was one of the toughest yet beneficial terms I've had. I am sure many other Odessey-nauts would agree with me in saying that Odessey is tough, it's the time where you are breaking walls and getting over troubles. Being given the responsibility to mature and get on with stuff yourself, to be creative and be proud of what you have done is the magic that this gives you. And this is not easy to achieve and you want to get the most out of this of course. It's better to move it to a more suitable time so that you guys can focus on making the most of it. See you at the launch pad Major Tom
Adam

As someone who has never experienced Odessey, I don't think I truly have a specific understanding of how challenging it may be. However I imagine not a walk in the park. Creating your own theatre enabling it to portray a message and let it be original but effective in approach I can only imagine being extremely difficult. Despite your experience being cut short I'm sure valuable lessons were made. I know for my fellow firefly cast mates it gave them a new light they always seemed happy and revived when entering rehearsal room to rehearsal room. Just stay focused and determined and only great things can come!
Ruth x

I experienced Odyssey last year and it was very difficult for me, however, it was one of the best experiences as it when really when I felt myself start to change for the better. I really struggled with the movement section as while I loved the concept and I thought our idea was strong, I didn't feel as though I could carry it out at all. Even when it came to presenting the piece, my movement was still weak and it was clear how terrified of it I was. However, this feeling of being on full display and extreme discomfort was the beginning of me realising that I had some serious body issues that I needed to address. If someone had told me last March/April that by October I'd be willingly, eagerly and excitedly participating in a catwalk such as CAPMON, I would have never believed them. Without Odyssey, I would most likely still feel very uncomfortable on stage and every performance would be very weak.
This year I haven't been as present around Spires as I would've hoped to have been for a number of reasons, however, none of these reasons can be used as an excuse for neglecting blogs or house pages. No matter how busy you are, you need to always find time to stay present. The past few months have made this all the more clear to me as I have been quite disconnected but blogs and house pages are the key to changing this. It's shown me how important it is to share things ideas and experiences as they are vital in pushing yourself forward.
Frances x

Having had a short experience of odyssey I can honestly say I have improved my work ethic especially. Due to being in a room wi your peers having no specific leader you all just have to work together and maintain a strong focus and connection. This can only be done with a lot of trust and commitment, you all have to work for a common goal, you all have to work for the group! Nothing will ever be done if your wanting to do it by yourself.
I completely understand your reasonings for postponing it and I think it's for the best. Every experience and project is a step further, I shall take this experience and use it in any other project I find myself in. We are all on a gradual journey I like to think of it, and this another step in the right direction. Ever up and onward!
N x

Moving on has always been my goal i have to move back but even more so standing still watching others run past me when i know that my sign post is saying up ahead is where you want to be is big bold black letters i am going to try so hard this term so that by the summers end i can say that maybe i havent reached the my fi nal spires destination but im so much closer than i was at the start if panto. I cant wait to get into rehearsil tommorow and start sprinting.
I'll see some of you tomorrow and the others really soon.
Olivia xxx